Nicky Baker

The roots of Nicky Baker’s singing/songwriting career go back a long way. After asking for a guitar for her 9th birthday, she learned the basics of guitar technique, first studying Classical music then moving on to traditional folk songs. But, before long, she realised she took greater pleasure in writing her own material. Naturally, back then, her songs lacked structure and her limited experience in life deprived them of depth. However, over time and with the help of inspiration from artists such as Joni Mitchell, Radiohead, Kate Bush, Todd Rundgren, Gorillaz, early Cold Play (and many more), her writing skills have matured, giving rise to a unique, intimate-bordering-poppy style. When people started asking Nicky to write songs for them, she realised it could be an interesting challenge as it imposed different demands and styles, depending on the artist and/or producer. Some of the most notable artists she has written for are Angélique Kidjo, David Hallyday, David Charvet, Bérénice, Benoît Courti, Clémence Saint-Preux, What For (Pop Stars France), Loane, Idriss-el-Mehdi, Bandit (Belgium). She has also worked on two musicals, currently in production (including a project financed by international producer Yves Dessca). As a singer, she has featured on various records, including a track by Bang Bang, various singles (written or co-written by Nicky) with Janu (Belgium) and several songs in a film documentary (broadcast on France 2 channel in April 2009) entitled L’Odyssée de l’Amour. She has also worked on projects with world-renowned producer/arranger Haydn Bendall (England). Her first album (Intimacy, produced by Jean Kluger) was released in 1999. Over the years, Nicky has given many stage performances, in England, France, Belgium, the USA and the Caribbean, either alone or with various bands. She is currently accompanied by accomplished musicians Charlie Doll, Philippe Brunelli and Benoît Moerlen (“The Black Boxes”). Her forthcoming 5-track CD (expected release date April 2009) features songs arranged by Benoît Courti (DJ, remixer and former artist with Universal France’s AZ label) and Nicolas Mingot (accomplished producer for TV and record, and excellent musician with extensive stage experience accompanying many renowned artists). CD title: Fringes.